Every matchup counts down the stretch, with a number of enormous results in week 14 that could decide postseason positions by the end of the year.
A 42-year veteran quarterback struck a big blow to the Baltimore Ravens' postseason aspirations, while Josh Allen all-but ended the Cincinnati Bengals' chances. Meanwhile, the Houston defense presented a huge challenge and may have concluded the Chiefs' season earlier than ever before in the Patrick Mahomes era.
Divisional Analysis: Division Showdowns Live Up To the Anticipation
Three huge rivalry games delivered.
Veteran signal-caller Aaron Rodgers, competing with a injured wrist, guided his team to a hard-fought close success in Baltimore. The future Hall of Famer notched his first rushing score in almost three seasons, however it was his deep passes to his top wideout that proved to be the deciding factor.
Lamar Jackson seemed off rhythm as his team missed crucial chances—though they were angry by a late touchdown being nullified. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season.
In another, the longest-running feud in the league saw a thrilling encounter. Despite scoring deep passes, an exhausted defensive unit had to thwart another late-game rally from the opposing young QB in the frigid weather.
This result gave one team a narrow advantage in their division, while the losers dropped from the conference's number one seed all the way to seventh.
Analysis: What Has Gone Wrong for the Chiefs?
Statistical models assign the Kansas City only a 15% chance of making the play-offs. In all likelihood, this will be the first missed playoffs for franchise QB Patrick Mahomes—and the first for the franchise in a decade.
During Mahomes' 7 full years as a starting quarterback, he has reached seven AFC Championship games and five championship games. That indicates the club has competed in nearly each available contest throughout his time.
Therefore, the causes for the current failure are apparent and were encapsulated during the recent defeat. Injuries ravaged an already questionable offensive line, with several key players out.
Despite that, the quarterback provided his team a fighting chance, however missed kicks and costly drops—including on a pivotal fourth-down attempt—sealed their fate.
Spotlight: Could the Super Bowl Be Heading for the West?
A pair of powerhouse teams from the West Coast conferences are building compelling arguments for Super Bowl favorites.
One squad, leading their the AFC, won the most recent Super Bowl held at this year's stadium. They are built on a stifling defence that leads the league in sacks and wins through methodical, time-consuming possessions.
The other team, atop the other conference, showcased an explosive offense capable of putting points on the board from anywhere. They boast a formidable ground game to pair with an exceptional aerial attack.
The question could be if the high-flying offense could handle the relentless pass rush of the elite defense—a a fascinating potential matchup.
Discussion: Travis Kelce Considering Calling It Quits?
Amid the aftermath from the Kansas City's defeat, comments from the quarterback about his longtime teammate fueled talk about a possible retirement.
Hearing Mahomes say, "each year... I try to cherish because you never know" definitely seemed like he was bracing for the veteran to call it a day.
"The tight end will have the choice to do what he wants to do following this season," he added. If the year concludes early for the Chiefs, the three-time Super Bowl winner might decide to walk away.
Preview: Bills vs. New England Highlights the Upcoming Slate
Josh Allen did it all again for Buffalo in a wintry victory. He threw three touchdowns and rushed for one more, accounting for a staggering percentage of his offense's total scores this year.
He is the first quarterback in NFL history with three thousand pass yards, twenty touchdown throws and ten running scores in 3 consecutive campaigns.
Now, he puts the Bills on his shoulders once more as they try to chase down their division rivals, the New England Patriots—coincidentally, they are precisely who they face this coming Sunday.
Key Upcoming Week Games:
- Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
- Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams
- Green Bay Packers @ Broncos
- Chargers @ Chiefs
This Week's Stats, Records & Notes
- A kick-off return for a 100-yard score—the longest play of the year—sparked a second-half onslaught for one offense.
- A star wide receiver scored 2 scores and remains tracking for a record-breaking 2,000-yard season.
- A feared defensive end notched his twentieth QB sack of the season, closing in of the all-time record.
- An overseas placekicker played a key role for his squad in a upset win in soggy conditions.
- A team that was shutout one week responded with a shutout of its own the next.
- A struggling team watched its star quarterback return from an elbow issue, only to leave the contest once more with a similar injury.
